Published: May 13, 2008 09:48 am            

Woman accused of stabbing KPD officer

Antenette Lewis faces attempted murder charge

Rookie Kokomo Police Officer Zachary Rodman, 25, got his first taste of the dangers of police work Monday evening when he was stabbed in the chest at Howard Regional Health System.

Rodman’s bullet proof vest saved him from any serious injuries, though he did suffer a 6-inch laceration to his left forearm and was treated and released.

Rodman and Officer Launa Bills, a field training officer, were investigating a report of child abuse when the child’s mother, Antenette Lewis, 26, allegedly turned on Rodman and stabbed him with a box cutter at the hospital, Sgt. Michael Vautaw reported.

Bills quickly subdued Lewis by shooting her with a Taser gun, according to police reports.

Lewis was then taken into custody on charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery, criminal recklessness while armed with a weapon, resisting law enforcement and disorderly conduct. Lewis is being held at the Howard County jail.

The officers were first called about 6:45 p.m. to the Indiana Health Center, 3118 S. LaFountain St., to a report of possible child abuse.

There, police learned a child had suffered injuries that required treatment and had the child transported by ambulance to the hospital.

Rodman and Bills were standing by at the hospital while a Child Protection Services employee read Lewis her parental rights.

According to police, Lewis became enraged and attacked Rodman about 9:30 p.m. with a box cutter-type weapon she had concealed in her purse.

The child was admitted to the hospital for observation and treatment.

A further investigated by KPD detectives revealed the injuries the 2-year-old received were the result of a medical condition and not child abuse.

Rodman, who was hired by the Kokomo Police Department in September, was not available for comment.

He is expected to be back on the street possibly next week, Lt. Jerry Williams said.

Anyone having further information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kokomo Police Hotline at (765) 456-7017, or you may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS with your anonymous tip.

Mike Fletcher may be reached at (765) 454-8565 or via e-mail at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com

        

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